Russia is urging the United Nations to take immediate action to deal with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, but the U.S. says Russia has the means to stop it.
At an emergency Security Council meeting called by Russia Tuesday, Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said international humanitarian principles need to be followed in eastern Ukraine. He criticized the government in Kiyv for what he calls its violent repression of the region.
Deputy U.S. Ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo said Russia can stop all of it by halting the flow of fighters, weapons and money to the separatists. But she said Russia has instead doubled the number of troop battalions near the border and plans large-scale military exercises.
U.N. humanitarian official John Ging told the Council the humanitarian situation is getting worse in Ukraine especially because of violence in urban areas. He said many who have fled their homes do not register with officials, making it hard to assess relief needs.